Middle East

by Dario Salvi | GATEWAY TO THE EAST

Kata’ib Hezbollah, a pro-Iranian Shia militia, is threatening “total war" after the US sent an  aircraft carrier to the Middle East. The election of a new president has been postponed; the outgoing office holder, Abdul Latif Rashid, is remembered for his bitter feud with the Chaldean patriarch for revoking a presidential decree recognising the Christian prelate. Meanwhile, al-Maliki’s possible return to power is casting a long shadow. Cardinal Sako calls for three days of fasting and praying for the country.

 


During a meeting yesterday in Palam between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan agreed to greater cooperation with future closer partnerships in business, energy, and space. The game of global alliances plays out in the background, with Israel and the Abraham Accords casting their shadow.

| 20/01/2026
| INDIA – UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

A consultative meeting of Yemeni political leaders, elders, and senior figures opened in the Saudi capital to discuss the country's future, a response to recent tensions between pro-Saudi government forces and Emirati-backed separatists. The conflict highlights divergent regional interests. Meanwhile, food security is becoming more precarious as an additional million people are at risk of “life-threatening hunger.”

| 19/01/2026
| YEMEN - SAUDI ARAIBA - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
by Dario Salvi

The Israeli activist, a key figure in the peace process, talks to AsiaNews about the creation of a Palestinian committee to administer the Strip. Hamas and the Palestinian National Authority are ready to go along. The disastrous humanitarian situation is one of the many unresolved issues. Uncertainties surround the international peacekeeping force, while “different agendas and parties [are] pulling in different directions”. The situation in Iran is not a source of concern.

 

| 16/01/2026
| ISRAEL – PALESTINE
by Dario Salvi

Tomorrow, Cardinal Parolin and Bishop Berardi will lead the ceremony to elevate the historic place of worship in Al Ahmadi. In its latest report on the Vicariate of Northern Arabia, AsiaNews presents the day of celebration local Catholics enjoyed. For the parish priest, Father Fernandes, it is a point of reference in daily life, pastoral care, and spirituality. Challenges and critical issues face the local Church.

| 15/01/2026
| KUWAIT – VATICAN

At least seven victims from the Armenian and Chaldean communities. In addition, three were injured and one imprisoned. Among the dead was the young Ejmin Masihi. In an open letter, Article 18 activists condemn the ‘brutal repression’ carried out by the ‘Tehran regime’.

| 15/01/2026
| IRAN
by Fady Noun

Alert in Lebanon over the wave of protests in the Islamic Republic. Institutional leaders and the population are closely following developments. Aoun's appeal to the Shiite movement: ‘From the logic of force to the force of logic’. Phase 2 of the disarmament plan is underway, while Israeli bombing continues.

| 14/01/2026
| LEBANON - IRAN
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“L’Asia: ecco il nostro comune compito per il terzo millennio!” - Giovanni Paolo II, da “Alzatevi, andiamo”